What are the two fundamental principles of surveying?

Working from the whole to the part to control error accumulation, and locating a new point by at least two measurements to ensure a unique, verifiable position.

What is the difference between a Total Station and a Theodolite?

A theodolite measures horizontal and vertical angles only. A total station is an integrated instrument that combines the angle-measuring capability of a theodolite with an Electronic Distance Meter (EDM) to also measure distances, and it typically includes an onboard computer for calculations and data storage.

How would you check the calibration of a dumpy level on site?

By performing a "two-peg test." This involves setting up the level between two points, taking readings, then moving the level to a different position and repeating the readings to see if the calculated height difference remains the same. Any discrepancy indicates a collimation error that needs adjustment.

You discover a significant discrepancy between the architectural plans and your survey measurements for a building corner. What is your protocol?

By performing a "two-peg test." This involves setting up the level between two points, taking readings, then moving the level to a different position and repeating the readings to see if the calculated height difference remains the same. Any discrepancy indicates a collimation error that needs adjustment.

What is the difference between a Total Station and a Theodolite?

A theodolite measures horizontal and vertical angles only. A total station is an integrated instrument that combines the angle-measuring capability of a theodolite with an Electronic Distance Meter (EDM) to also measure distances, and it typically includes an onboard computer for calculations and data storage.

How would you check the calibration of a dumpy level on site?

By performing a "two-peg test." This involves setting up the level between two points, taking readings, then moving the level to a different position and repeating the readings to see if the calculated height difference remains the same. Any discrepancy indicates a collimation error that needs adjustment.

You discover a significant discrepancy between the architectural plans and your survey measurements for a building corner. What is your protocol?

The first step is to stop and re-check my own measurements to rule out personal or instrument error. If the discrepancy persists, I would immediately halt any related layout work and communicate the issue clearly to the project manager, site engineer, and architect, providing them with my documented findings. Proceeding without clarification could lead to major construction errors.